Drivers caught by Wiltshire's Community Speed Watch could get tickets

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Wiltshire Police are pumping £70,000 into the recruitment of a new Traffic Enforcement Officer along with new camera equipment .

He or she will work alongside Community Speed Watch, the scheme run by volunteers to record the speed of drivers at locations where speeding is an issue.

Currently those breaking the speed limit are sent a letter warning them to slow down but if the new officer and kit is present then they could face an enforceable penalty.

There more than 120 Community Speed Watch teams in Wiltshire, operated by more than 1,000 volunteers providing police with useful intelligence.

Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith has welcomed the investment.

"The volunteers provide significant support to the Force already, but currently they do not have the capability of adequately enforcing speeding offences. This investment will enable them to do that in a targeted, intelligence led way alongside our specialist operations and community policing officers."

"The primary reason for this investment is enhancing road safety - particularly in communities that are at increased risk or where repeat offending is present."

Some of the money will also go towards an IT solution to manage the 'significant administration' that comes with sending out the letters.

The announcement comes a month after a survey carried out by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners showed 60% of road users don't feel safe in Wiltshire.

Many also felt that not enough action is being taken against those who break the law.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson said:

"More than 82% of our residents surveyed either agreed or strongly agreed that they wanted to see greater enforcement of traffic offences. Now, it may be that this is more about people's perceptions of road safety rather than the reality of the situation, but either way, something must be done."

"I have prioritised road safety and I welcome the additional capability that will provide the Force with the systems and technology needed to enhance enforcement of speeding offences, whilst maximising the use of CSW volunteers. This investment is on top of my direct funding for the CSW teams. My office also continues to look at other ways we can further embed the work of CSW in how the police target enforcement action.

"The number of 'killed and seriously injured' road traffic collisions have risen in recent years and reducing the harm caused on our roads is an area of priority for the OPCC and the Force".